By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2026 at 9:51 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district will be presenting a $19,194,000 budget to the public on may 19. The budget increases spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26.
The tax levy will increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
There will be a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Stroyan Auditorium, with the vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
“Because of these rising costs, maintaining the same level of programs and opportunities requires an increase in the budget, said Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent. “If the budget were to remain the same, we would need to reduce what we currently provide for students.”
Lyon wrote a letter to the community in the district newsletter. Click here to see the budget newsletter.
“Our goal is to continue building on the progress we’ve made while staying true to our shared values,” she said. “The proposed budget reflects that commitment.”
The budget includes an increase in state aid from $12,113,808 to $13,375,309. The district also plans to use more reserve funds – from $495,220 to $746,032.
There are other propositions on the ballot:
• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000
• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722)
• Board of Education – Jerod Thurber’s spot is up for election. Dana Goetze is the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year term.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 May 2026 at 8:49 am
Canal Village Farmers’ Market uses former NAPA site during cold weather months
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Kusmierczak, left, buys a cabbage from Ron Human of Human Farms in Appleton. Human has been a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market since shortly after it opened more than 10 years ago.
MEDINA – On Saturday, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will open at its summer location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, featuring new vendors, activities for children and special focus on events of interest to adults. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly.
A handful of dedicated vendors have kept the market going since 2015, but to thrive, more vendors are needed and, most importantly, regular shoppers.
“Canal Village Farmers’ Market wants to grow both its vendor base and dedicated customer base,” said market manager Gail Miller. “Vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety. The market has a great selection at this time, and will be adding some new vendors this season – another vegetable farm, flowers and crafts. Mushrooms will be back, as Baker Farms will begin selling Hartland Organics mushrooms. We are looking for a soap vendor, wineries and other unique items.”
Rose Baker of Baker Farms talks with market manager Gail Miller, right, while a customer looks on. Baker Farms on Beals Road raises and sells its own beef, pork and eggs.
Miller recommends watching the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all of the products available each week.
Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, sponsor of the market, urged community support of the venture.
“The market has been around for more than 10 years now,” Busch said. “In those earlier years we had more than 500 customers every Saturday, with many of the same vendors and products we have now. We really need our customers to recommit to supporting our community farmers’ market. It’s good for our farmers and producers, and good for the community. Our market isn’t the glitziest, but it has a lot to offer – great products, kids’ activities, live music – and this year we’re adding even more.”
This year’s vendors include Baker Farms (garlic, eggs, beef, pork and scapes); Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jams); Hazel & Honey Bakes (scones, cookies and sourdough); Human Farms and Greenhouse (vegetables, fruit, eggs and plants); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); Kimbriel Farm (vegetables); Rosario Farm (fruit and vegetables); Flower Fields Forever (flowers); and crafts (MGERH, Metal Neurosis, EBS Luxuries and two others starting in mid-June.
This list does not show all products available.
A customer buys microgreens from Leonard Bower at Bower Family Farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina.
Special events planned for kids include, on opening day, a Kids’ Tent where they will show how to do a little art on a cup and plant several seeds in it. In June, the market will participate in Medina Area Partnership’s Faery Festival, and on July 3 the annual Zucchini 500 till take place. All ages are invited to attend this fun event.
Just for adults, on June 6 the market will have a limited number of spots available for folks who need an area to sell items during the Medina Community Yard Sale. Almost any type of merchandise can be sold at the market. In addition, adults will enjoy food demos throughout the season, given by chef Caitlyn from Shelridge County Club. Another event will be “Dog Days of Summer,” where people will vote for the best dog in certain categories. Additional events will be added later in the season, Miller said.
The market also offers free space to non-profits to promote their organization or cause.
For more information or to request a vendor spot, contact canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Sue Payne of Medina crochets doilies at her booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at its winter site in the former NAPA Building.
Orleans County EMO hosting class that includes free kits with basic survival essentials
Information from Orleans County Emergency Management Office
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Emergency Management Office is hosting a class Citizens Preparedness Corps Training Class on Saturday, May 23rd beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Trolley Building.
The class is taught by the National Guard with the intention of teaching the average person how to prepare for disaster or emergency situations, Orleans County EMO officials said.
The course includes information about the types of risks and hazards people face, how to develop individual/household plans for risks and hazards, and what emergency supplies should be considered, and learn how helping yourself (and others) in advance will help you react faster when in a crisis.
Additionally, this is a bag-event – meaning every household registered will receive a basic starter kit. These are backpacks (easy for grab and go in an emergency) stocked with some basic survival essentials to help you in a disaster event.
The kits are created for the individual, but during class people are instructed how to expand their kits for additional needs to better prepare themselves. Just like the training, these kits are completely free. People need to register so the National Guard can bring enough kits for those attending. Training should take no more than 90-minutes.
This is a great class for everyone, all ages, and circumstances, the EMO said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 9:24 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Building up an 8-2 half-time advantage, Wilson went on to down Medina 15-4 in a D Division lacrosse game at Vet Park this evening. Brayden Lewis, shown here looking to work the ball up field, scored a goal for the Mustangs as did Clayton Wagner, Sawyer Lilleby and Brennan Allen.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 8:30 pm
Lyndonville edged host Oakfield-Alabama 5-4 in a Genesee Region League baseball game this afternoon.
Four runs in the fifth inning on a two-run single by Lane Woodworth, a balk and a ground out provided the margin of victory for the Tigers. Singles by Shannon Withey and Austin Fonda ignited the uprising.
Colton Smith singled in Lyndonville’s first run of the day in the opening inning.
Fonda had a total of 3 hits and Smith 2.
Quincey McClinsey earned the win on the mound scattering 4 hits and striking out 8.
Jackson Gilbert hit a two run homer for Oakfield-Alabama .
The second game of the doubleheader was halted by darkness in the fifth inning with the Tigers leading the Hornets 11-7.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 8:07 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Noah Harrison takes the baton from Austin Huscher in the 4 by 100 relay at Albion today versus Wilson. Huscher was on the first leg of the relay with Harrison second. Garret Jones and Hunter Huscher also were on the winning relay team for Albion.
Albion capped off a seventh straight undefeated Niagara-Orleans League boys track championship season with an 88-53 victory over Wilson.
The Purple Eagles, which finish the dual meet portion of the N-O season at 6-0, are now 42-0 during this seven year title run.
Albion got individual event wins from Hunter Huscher (100), Tristian Tilbe (1600), Adam Burgio (400 Hurdles), Wesley Olles (800). Ezra Bloom (High Jump) and Parker Roberts (Pole Vault).
Wilson had a quadruple winner in Ryan Hough (Long Jump, Triple Jump, 110 Hurdles, 200) and a double winner in Brock Lepsch (Shotput and Discus).
Wilson won the girls’ meet 78-63 as Savannah Jones doubled in the 100 and 200.
Mia Standish doubled for Albion in the 100 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles.
Savannah Jones, right, of Wilson pushes to win the 200 meter race, just ahead of Isabelle Truelson of Albion in second and Isabella Thrush of Wilson in third.
Medina and Akron split
Medina defeated Akron 96-45 in the boys meet as Bryson Ford doubled in the 110 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles and Briley Allen in the High Jump and 200).
The Mustangs also got wins by Cole Hughes (3200), Timothy Zeiner (Shotput), Jonathan Dix (Pole Vault), Nathanael Rutledge (Discus), Jackson Reese (100) and Roman Maksimchuk (400).
Akron won the girls’ meet 107-34 as Kylie Karmazyn was a triple winner in the 100 Hurdles, High Jump and Triple Jump) and Reece Adessa a double winner in the 800 and 1500.
Medina’s Aurora Owczarczak was a triple winner in the 100, 200 and 400.
Roy-Hart and Newfane split
Roy-Hart defeated Newfane 73-57 in the girls’ meet as Addison Carr was a triple winner in the 100, 200 and 400. Kylie McOmber was also a double winner in the Long Jump and Triple Jump as was Lilly Isabelle Pabon-Rosa in the Shotput and Discus.
Eden Hillman won the 1500, 3000, 400 Hurdles and Pole Vault for Newfane.
Newfane won the boys’ meet 75-66 as Nasir Spencer won the 100, 200 and 400, Tragen MacAvoy the 1600 and 3200 and Payton Wightman the High Jump and Pole Vault.
Roy-Hart’s Tysen McCaa won the Long Jump and Triple Jump and Judson Heck the Shotput and Discus.
Ryan Hough of Wilson is shown on a triple jump of 46 feet, 10 1/2 inches, which set a new school record and earned him first place in the event at Albion.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 7:47 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Grace Pearl takes the throw at second base to tag out Medina’s Peyton Allen during the Lady Rams win over the Mustangs at Vets Park this afternoon.
Roy-Hart bested Medina 17-7 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this afternoon as the Lady Rams improve to 5-2.
Leading 9-7, Roy-Hart put a lock on the win by scoring 5 runs in the sixth inning as Peyton May had a double.
Brooke Corser also had a double and triple and Alayna Kowalski a pair of singles on the day for the Lady Rams.
Medina scored 4 runs in the second inning as Alexa Demmer had a two-run double and 3 times in the fifth as Savannah Jo Thompson had an RBI triple and Isabella Perez a two-run single. Demmer also had a triple on the day and Samantha Heschke a pair of singles.
Abby Fox registered 9 strikeouts in the circle for Roy-Hart.
Wilson 15, Akron 14
Wilson (8-2) outlasted Akron (4-3) 15-14 in a wild N-O softball game under the lights at Barker this evening which saw both teams score in nearly every inning.
Lucy Madan had 4 hits, including a double and a home run, Mackenzie Hardy 3 hits, including a double, and Abbie Faery a home run to lead the way for Wilson.
Shannon Esmond had 3 hits, Morgan Tomporowski 2 and Addison Massaro a three-run homer for Akron.
Medina’s Jenna Cecchini gets the force out at third base on Roy-Hart’s Giuliana Russo.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 6:59 pm
Avenging an early season 4-1 loss, Barker edged Wilson 3-2 this afternoon to move into a tie for the Niagara-Orleans League tennis lead.
Barker and Wilson are now deadlocked for the top spot at 8-1.
A three set win by the first doubles team of Oscar Dergel and Lucas Nestoros provided the margin of victory for Barker.
Barker also got wins from Daniel Goodwin at first singles and by the third doubles team of Nick Heideman and Aurora Wass.
Wilson got wins by Shelby Robinson at second singles and by the second doubles team of Grace Smith and Zoey Beck.
Roy-Hart 4, Medina 1
Roy-Hart bested Medina 4-1 in another N-O match.
The Rams swept the three doubles matches with wins by the duos of Kaylee Churchill – Raegan Kern, Maria Trombley – Maya Moebs and Kennedy Boyle – Cora Lennon.
The Rams also got a win by Colin Cousins at second doubles.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 6:36 pm
Making it four wins in a row, Albion rolled to a 10-0 victory at Wilson this afternoon as the Purple Eagles improve to 5-3 in Niagara-Orleans League baseball competition.
Nate Gibson hurled a 1 hitter with 9 strikeouts on the mound for the Purple Eagles in the five inning run rule contest.
Albion took the lead for good by scoring three quick runs in the first inning on an RBI sacrifice fly by Mason Snook, an error and an RBI double by Viktor Snyder. A single by Elliott Trapiss, a walk and a single by Kaiden Froman loaded the bases to set up the threat.
The Purple Eagles tacked on solo runs in the third inning on an error and in the fourth on an RBI single by Trapiss.
Albion closed out the win by scoring five times in the fifth on a two-run double by Will Plummer, an RBI sacrifice fly by Trapiss and a two-run triple by Gibson.
The loss drops Wilson to 1-8.
Albion will visit Wilson again on Friday at 4:45 p.m.
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Elementary School
ALBION – Students from Kendall Elementary’s Safety and Responsibility Squad took their learning beyond the classroom this week with a hands‑on visit to the Orleans County Public Safety Building in Albion. They are shown in the above photo on top of the Orleans County Jail on Platt Street in Albion.
The group was welcomed by Sheriff Chris Bourke and members of the Sheriff’s Office for an inside look at how local law enforcement keeps the community safe.
During the visit, students toured the Dispatch Center, observed how emergency calls are managed, and learned how drone technology is used to support investigations and public safety operations. Squad members also engaged in thoughtful conversations with deputies about responsibility, decision‑making, and the many roles within modern law enforcement.
Sheriff Chris Bourke welcomes the students and school resource officer George Barton, a Sheriff’s deputy, to Bourke’s office at the Orleans County Public Safety Building on Route 31.
The Public Safety Building tour is one of four experiences the Safety and Responsibility Squad participates in each year. Students also visit the Marine Patrol at Point Breeze, tour the Orleans County Jail, and—new this year— SRS will take their first trip to the Orleans County Animal Control Center in Albion.
Kendall Elementary values its strong partnership with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the daily support provided by the district’s School Resource Officer. These experiences help students build leadership skills, understand community systems, and see firsthand the importance of service to others.
The students met with some of the Marine Patrol unit at Point Breeze.
Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The Albion school district on Wednesday held its 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony and recognized the following: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.
Press Release, Albion Central School
Thomas Kovaleski, a 2012 Albion graduate, spoke at the event. He is an 11-year United States Army veteran.
ALBION – Twenty members of Albion’s Class of 2026 were recognized for their academic achievements on May 6 during the 17th Annual Honors Convocation dinner and ceremony.
Thomas Kovaleski, ‘12, was the guest speaker for the evening. Kovaleski is an 11-year United States Army veteran. He previously served as a combat engineer, and now as a local recruiter and station commander.
He shared about his journey following graduation and how he resonated with the feeling of uncertainty, but reassured students that with perseverance, they will find their place.
“Excellence isn’t a moment you reach; it’s a habit you build,” said Kovaleski. “Keep showing up, keep challenging yourself, and let your success be the starting line, not the finish.”
The honorees were called to the stage individually to receive their certificates. They were adorned with their honors cords from their parents/guardians.
The 2026 academic honors students include: Jenna Barnard, Neveya Barnes, Nisi Beltran Roblero, Kaitlin Bennett, Elliot Beyrle, Julia Button, Dejeanna Conner, Lindsay Crawford, Kaiden Froman, Aubrey Gannon, Xzavier Gerow, Justin Kania, Hanna Kumalac, Nathaniel Miesner, Madison Muckle, Gideon Pask, Bradley Pierce, William Plummer, Alondra Santana Gonzalez and Joshua Zayac.
Albion’s Class of 2026 is set to graduate on Friday, June 26.
Tiffany and Steven Crawford congratulate their daughter Lindsay for being one of the honor grads.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 May 2026 at 1:11 pm
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green
Medina’s Melanie Green fired an even par round of 72 today to open competition at the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open Tournament being played at West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Starting on the back nine, Green registered birdies on 13 and 16 to go to 2 under par.
However, bogies on 17 and 3 put her back to even par.
She was tied for 10th when she completed her round with a large portion of the field still on the course.
The tournament will continue on Friday after which the field will be cut.
The final two rounds will be on Saturday and Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2026 at 11:28 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion students in Sheri Berg’s life skills class carried the torch and were part of a law enforcement torch run on May 31, 2024 in a benefit for the Special Olympics. Here they head up the main driveway leading the high school after being on East Avenue. The fourth annual torch run will be Friday.
ALBION – Local law enforcement officers will have their fourth annual torch run on Friday in a benefit for the Special Olympics.
Law enforcement officers will cover about 2.7 miles while some students will go from Dubby’s Tailgate down East Avenue to the school.
The event starts at 11 a.m. Law enforcement will leave Dubby’s and go north on S. Platt, then West on Chamberlain, then south on Main Street, and then east on East Ave. The officers will cover distance on the school campus before coming back to East Avenue, heading south on McKinstry Street, then west on Chamberlain Street, then south on Platt to Dubby’s.
In the past, law enforcement from the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police and DEC joined students on the run.
Jeff Wilson, a retired Border Patrol officer, carries the torch on May 31, 2024. Wilson has served as the Western New York director of the law enforcement torch run.
